The cliché “we’re regulars” is a bit of an understatement for our family. Whenever someone comes to visit from out-of-town, Ellas is a mandatory stop on our makeshift Madison tour. A friend of ours introduced my husband and I to Ella’s before kids and we were hooked even then (now it’s just easier to point obnoxiously at all of the things flying and moving around the room without seeming like you’ve lost your mind).
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Summer and Fall are prime festival seasons, since so many have agricultural themes and that’s harvest season. However, Spring has some fine offerings, and this year is no exception. Pack up the family and head out for a weekend of fun and even a bit of education. Insider tip: many of the festivals have Facebook and Twitter accounts where you can ask questions, get up to the minute information and connect with other fans. If you’re a newbie to a particular event, this is the best place to learn all the local secrets for parking, eating and to find lodging specials and packages.
List everything you really want in a spring vacation. The destination should be easy to get to, have something for everyone to enjoy (even if your kids range in age from 2-15), sun and affordable prices. A road trip to Paso Robles, California, is the perfect solution.
Maple Syrup Festivals celebrate the first signs of Spring, even as the temperature can still be more reminiscent of winter. Expect all the hallmarks of a great festival: agriculture celebrations at their finest. Food, demonstrations, craft booths, farming education, entertainment and family fun.
Whether you agree or disagree with the obsession, you can’t fight it. At some point your daughter will want to take a pilgrimage to one of the American Girl Stores. And, since even the reality TV celebs are pinching their pennies, you’ll want to make the trip as cost effective as possible, but also really enjoy every minute.
If you’re looking for the secret ingredient in the crabby patty recipe, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill in Ft. Myer’s, Florida won’t budge. They even have pirates on staff, ready to take the secret to the grave.